Systems, Methods, and Devices for Interactive Exercise

ABSTRACT

An interactive exercise system includes an exercise device having one or more movable elements that a user may move during exercise. The movable elements may have one or more selectively adjustable operating parameters. Other interactive features may also be includes to enable a user to interact with the exercise system in multiple ways. The interactive features may include simulations of real word locations, educational programming, multitasking features, and a voice response system.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/453,484, filed on Mar. 16, 2011, and entitled SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES FOR INTERACTIVE EXERCISE, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for exercise. More particularly, the invention relates to systems, methods, and devices for interacting with or controlling an exercise device.

BACKGROUND

One common challenge with exercise equipment is motivating the user to use the exercise equipment on a consistent and ongoing basis. This lack of motivation can be a result of the repetitive nature of the exercises and exercise routines that a user can perform on a specific exercise device and the lack of intellectual stimulation available during use of the exercise equipment.

In order to combat this lack of stimulation, many exercise devices are equipped with a display that depicts a track indicating progress or a hill profile representing the difficultly level of the exercise routine. Still other exercise systems, such as the system described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0122035 to Felix, attempt to create a virtual reality environment. For instance, the system described in Felix includes an exercise device that displays various types of video programming on a display. Additionally, the system also controls the exercise device to simulate the displayed video programming. In addition, other exercise devices include those in U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,239, U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,852, U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,060, U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,006, U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0265138.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the disclosure, an interactive exercise device includes a movable element and a voice response system.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the movable element is movable in the performance of an exercise.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the movable element has at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system is operatively associated with the movable element.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system is receptive to verbal commands from a user of the exercise device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system adjusts the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter in response to verbal commands from the user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system includes a controller.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system includes voice recognition software.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system is disposed within a control panel of the exercise device.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the control panel includes a browser and a display.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system controls the operation of the browser in response to verbal commands from the user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system enables a user to dictate electronic messages.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system enables a user to send or receive electronic messages.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, a fitness educational exercise system includes an exercise device and exercise programming.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device has a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the movable element has at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming provides a fitness educational experience to a user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes control signals that selectively adjust the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element to simulate terrain of a real world location.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes display programming that presents to the user visual images of the simulated real world location.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes audio programming that presents to the user educational information relating to the simulated real world location.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming presents questions to the user during the fitness educational experience.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the fitness educational exercise system is receptive to verbal responses from the user in answer to the presented questions.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device comprises a voice response system that is receptive to verbal responses from the user in answer to the presented questions.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming is theme based.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the theme of the exercise programming is selected from educational, patriotic, somber, comedic, tragic, religious, and serious.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the educational themed exercise programming includes educational information relating to history, geography, botany, animals, science, music, math, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming is at least partially defined by the user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes a plurality of segments that are selected by the exercise system based upon fitness goals provided by the user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, an interactive exercise system includes an exercise device, interactive exercise programming, and a voice response system.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise device has a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise and that has at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the interactive exercise programming provides a plurality of interactive exercise experiences to a user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes control signals that selectively adjust the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element to simulate terrain of a real world location.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes display programming that presents to the user visual images of the simulated real world location.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise programming includes audio programming.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the audio programming presents to the user educational information.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the audio programming presents to the user questions relating to the educational information.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system is operatively associated with the interactive exercise programming.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the voice response system receives and processes the user's verbal answers to the presented questions.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the exercise system provides awards to the user based on the user's performance in the interactive exercise experience.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the interactive exercise experiences are altered based on verbal inputs from the user.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the interactive exercise experiences are altered by adjusting the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element.

In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects herein, the awards include digital incentives.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary exercise system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a treadmill that may be used in the exercise system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a stationary exercise cycle that may be used in the exercise system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of the control panel of the treadmill of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a process for adjusting an operating parameter of an exercise device using verbal commands.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a process for performing a multi-task function on an exercise device using verbal commands.

FIG. 7A is a functional block diagram of a process for performing one portion of another multi-task function on an exercise device using verbal commands.

FIG. 7B is a functional block diagram of a process for performing a second portion of the multi-task function of FIG. 7A on an exercise device using verbal commands.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a process of connecting to a remote communication system and selecting one or more options available from the remote communication system.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representing the actions performed by the user and the system of FIG. 1 to create exercise programs in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the process of selecting an exercise device to be used in connection with the exercise programs.

FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a process for performing a fitness educational experience on an exercise device.

FIG. 11A is a functional block diagram of a process for incorporating user generated material into the exercise programming.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a process of selecting one or more themes for exercise programming.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram of exercise programming according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is an illustration of a display showing exercise profiles for the exercise programming.

FIG. 13B is a functional block diagram of a process for obtaining display programming to match simulated terrain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Depicted in FIG. 1 is a representation of one illustrative exercise system 10, which may incorporate the novel features of the present invention, including various novel devices, functionalities, hardware and software modules, and the like. As shown, one or more exercise mechanisms 12, such as a treadmill 12 a and an exercise cycle 12 b, are each in communication with a communication system 14 (e.g. a website) or a portable data storage device, such as, for example, memory card 15. Exercise programming for controlling one or more aspects of treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b may be stored on memory card 15 or communicated from communication system 14 to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b.

The communication between communication system 14 and treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b may be accomplished via a personal computer 16. For instance, personal computers 16 may communicate with a network 18 that is a communication network that enables various hardware and software modules and devices to communicate one with another. Network 18, therefore, may be a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), wireless network, packetized network, real-time network, and the like. Network 18 facilitates communication between communication system 14 and treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b. Communication system 14 may also assist with communication between a user on treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b and one or more third parties 20, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Thus, exercise programming may be downloaded from communication system 14 to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b via network 18. Likewise, the exercise programming may also be streamed to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b over network 18.

In light of the disclosure herein, it will be understood that the downloading of the exercise programming to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b may be a direct download from communication system 14 to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b, or the exercise programming may be initially downloaded to personal computer 16. Personal computer 16 may then communicate the exercise programming to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b. The communication of the exercise programming from personal computer 16 to treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b may be through a wired or wireless connection as discussed herein. Alternatively, the exercise programming may be communicated from personal computer 16 to memory card 15, which may then be associated with treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b. In still other embodiments, rather than downloading the exercising programming and then storing it on memory card 15, the exercise programming may be stored on memory card 15 by communication system 14 and then memory card 15 may be made available to a user of treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b.

Memory card 15 may be in the form of any type of portable memory device. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, flash memory cards and USB-enabled memory devices. For instance, by way of example and not limitation, memory card 15 may be a Secure Digital (SD) card, a MultiMedia flash memory card (MMC), DataFlash device, CompactFlash device, removable NAND-type flash memory (e.g. SmartMedia, Sony Memory Stick), one-time-programmable memory cards (OTP), XD cards, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, connection between exercise mechanisms 12 and network 18 can be made via a variety of communication line connections. For example, as depicted in FIG. 1, treadmill 12 a is capable of wireless communication with network 18, either directly or via computer 16 and/or wireless router 17. Various other types of ports or interfaces may be included within exercise mechanisms 12 to enable communication via one or more communication line connections. For instance, an exercise mechanism 12 may include one or more ports and interfaces to enable communication line connection through existing broadcast technology, including television broadcast over the airwaves, cable or cable modems, satellite, telephone lines, whether analog or digitally based, the Internet, DSL, G-Lite, wireless technology, infra-red (IR) technology, other high-speed data connections, or any other suitable transmission technology or medium. In the illustrated embodiment, exercise cycle 12 b is shown with a hardwire connection to personal computer 16, which has a hardwire connection with network 18. Alternatively, exercise cycle 12 b may include a hardwire connection directly to network 18. Thus, system 10 may allow for any type of connection between an exercise mechanism 12 and network 14, whether wired or wireless.

Although each exercise mechanism of system 10 is depicted as communicating via a personal computer 16 and network 18 with a single communication system 14 and two third parties 20, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that system 10 may be otherwise configured. For example, treadmill 12 a and exercise cycle 12 b may communicate via the same personal computer 16. Similarly, the exercise devices may communicate with multiple communications systems 14 and third parties 20 via one or more networks 18. Alternatively, one or more of the elements of system 10 may be eliminated or the functionality thereof incorporated within the structure and function of one or more of the other elements of system 10.

Similarly, although each of the elements of system 10 are shown separated one from another, it may be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the hardware and/or software elements of the present invention may be incorporated within two or more elements. For example, personal computers 16 may be incorporated within treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b. Similarly, the hardware and/or software elements of the communication system 14 may be incorporated within treadmill 12 a and/or exercise cycle 12 b.

Generally, examples of a third party 20 may include: (i) a live human being; or (ii) a database, such as a website, computer, optical media (e.g., compact disk or digital video disk), visual media, or magnetic media (e.g., videotape, readable disk), an electronic monitoring system, dynamic computer readable instructions, interactive and/or dynamic software programs, computer readable instructions, one or more other databases, other media, hardware, and/or software modules and components that is/are located external to communication system 14. In some embodiments, a third party 20 may include MAPQUEST.COM, MAP.GOOGLE.COM, the GOOGLE EARTH database, the GTOPO 30 database, the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database, the MICROSOFT VIRTUAL EARTH database, the WIKIPEDIA database, and the like. These third parties are examples of databases that store data external to communication system 14.

Such databases store image data that can be displayed or can be formatted or manipulated to be displayed on a display device 152 (see FIG. 4) of an exercise mechanism 12. The term “image data” includes and/or is representative of: i) one or more static images; and/or ii) one or more moving (i.e., video) images. For example, image data as used herein may include a plurality of sequential static images, a video display, and/or a single image of terrain to be traversed by a user, such as a mountain, race course, or street.

Furthermore, the phrase “display programming,” as used herein, includes image data and/or image data that has been formatted or manipulated so that it can be synchronized with control signals, audio programming, and/or displayed on a display device of an exercise device. Examples of such display programming that can display images on display 152 include, for example, video programming, sequential static image programming, and/or a single image of terrain to be traversed.

The majority of the discussion of system 10 will focus on the use and interaction of treadmill 12 a with system 10. However, exercise cycle 12 b will also be described in connection with FIG. 3. While system 10 will be described primarily in connection with treadmill 12 a, it may be appreciated that a similar discussion may be had for exercise cycle 12 b, other types of exercise mechanisms, or multiple exercise mechanisms of the same or different type. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, exercise cycle 12 b may be used in connection with system 10 along with most of the features described in connection with treadmill 12 a.

Generally, system 10 enables exercise programming with control signals to be accessed from memory card 15 and/or transmitted from communication system 14, to a user on treadmill 12 a. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,363, entitled “Systems and Methods for Providing an Improved Exercise Device with Motivational Programming,” the programming may include motivational content and/or one or more control signals that may be used to control the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. The control signals may be synchronized with the motivational content and designed to control one or more operating parameters of the exercise device, such as the speed, incline, difficulty of exercise program, time, distance, and the like of an exercise program performed on treadmill 12 a.

As used herein, the term “motivational content” is used to broadly refer to any video or visual material, whether still or moving, of real world environments, routes, locations, and the like, either alone or in combination with audio material, including dialog, narration, sound effects, and/or music. The motivational content may be preset or preprogrammed or the motivational content may be dynamic so that it can be changed manually or automatically during an exercise session. In some embodiments of the present invention, the motivational content is stored or obtained from a third party 20. In other embodiments, the motivational content is stored by communication system 14 and/or exercise mechanism 12.

Various terms are used herein to describe actual outdoor exercise experiences that can be simulated on treadmill 12 a, or another exercise device. These terms include real world environments, places, routes, trails, paths, courses, hikes, locations, and the like. It will be appreciated that these terms are used to broadly refer to characteristics of actual places in the world, including the topography, appearance, and sounds associated with the real world places. Additionally, exercise system 10 is described as being able to simulate these real world places. Simulating these real world places refers to providing a user of an exercise device an experience that is similar to actually being in the real world places. In other words, system 10 is adapted to replicate on an exercise device the topography, sights, and/or sounds that a person would experience were the person to actually to walk, run, ride, or the like, through the actual real world location.

Generally, communication between treadmill 12 a and communication system 14 and/or a third party 20 may include both the motivational content and the control signals, whether or not such control signals are synchronized with the motivational content. Alternatively, the communication may include only the motivational content, other signals representative of measurable parameters of the exercise device (e.g. speed, inclination, resistance, etc) and/or a user of the exercise device (e.g. heart rate, blood pressure, etc), and the like. For example, treadmill 12 a may transmit one or more signals to communication system 18. The signals may include parameters such as the status of the exercise device, e.g., active status (i.e., on), deactivated status (i.e., off), standby status (i.e., waiting), and the like, and/or parameters such as speed, inclination, resistance. Additionally, the signals may include parameters regarding the user, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and the like. Alternatively, treadmill 12 a may receive programming “broadcast” by communication system 14, such that any treadmill with the capabilities to receive the programming may access such, without the need to transmit one or more signals.

As mentioned above, the control signals control the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as speed, inclination, resistance, and the like. Such control may be achieved by communication system 14, or a combination of communication system 14 and a third party 20 interacting with treadmill 12 a and/or communication system 14. Generally, the present invention allows control of a device, such as an exercise device, without the need to interrupt the other portions of the programming, such as the real-time audio and/or video.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of treadmill 12 a that can be used in connection with system 10. Treadmill 12 a, in one embodiment, includes a console or control panel 22 supported on a generally upright support structure 24 and a treadbase 26. Upright support structure 24, in this illustrated embodiment, includes two side members 28, 30 connected to a base frame 32. Side members 28, 30 and base frame 32 may have various configurations and may be fabricated from various materials so long as they are capable of supporting control panel 22.

The treadbase 26 typically includes a pair of side rails 34, 36 each having a front portion proximal to and a rear portion distal from upright support structure 24. A front pulley 38 and a rear pulley 40 (not shown) are disposed between and supported by side rails 34, 36, while a continuous belt 42 extends between and around front and rear pulleys 38 and 40, respectively. A deck 44 typically supports the upper run of belt 42 and an exercising individual positioned upon belt 42.

As is common with electric treadmills, such as treadmill 12 a, front pulley 38 is mechanically connected to an electric tread drive motor 46 (not shown) by way of a drive belt 48 (not shown). Motor 46 can incorporate an inertial flywheel that controls fluctuations in the rotational motion of a shaft of motor 46 during operation of treadmill 12 a. Motor 46 is optionally electrically connected to a treadmill controller 50 (not shown) that controls the operation of motor 46, and thus the speed of belt 42, in response to various user inputs or other control signals. Treadmill controller 50 can be incorporated within treadbase 26, control panel 22, or within personal computer 16.

In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed of belt 42, treadmill 12 a may also permit the degree of incline of treadbase 26 relative to the floor, or other support surface upon which treadmill 12 a rests, to be varied. For instance, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0248900, the disclosure of which in incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, treadbase 26 can be oriented in a neutral position, an inclined position, or a declined position. In the neutral position, treadbase 26 is substantially parallel to the support surface. In the inclined position, the front portion of treadbase 26 is above the rear portion of treadbase 26 to enable an exerciser to simulate walking or running up a hill. Similarly, in a declined position the front portion of treadbase 26 is below the rear portion of treadbase 26 to enable an exerciser to simulate walking or running down a hill.

Treadmill 12 a may also permit treadbase 26 to be tilted from side to side in order to more closely replicate walking or running on outdoor terrain. More specifically, treadbase 26 can be tilted such that one side of treadbase 26 is higher than the other (e.g., tilted so that side rail 34 is higher than side rail 36, or vice versa) to simulate surfaces that are not level from side to side, such as when walking or running across a hill.

The inclination, declination, and tilting capabilities of treadbase 26 enable treadmill 12 a to more closely replicate an outdoor walking or running experience. The inclination, declination, and tilting of treadbase 26 can be accomplished through the use of various inclination and tilting mechanisms. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0248900 discloses example inclination and tilting mechanisms that may be used in connection with the present invention to provide these features.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, which illustrates exercise cycle 12 b that can be used with system 10. Exercise cycle 12 b, in one embodiment, includes a support base 90 and a generally upright support structure 92 pivotally connected thereto. Upright support structure 92, in this illustrative embodiment, includes two support members 94, 96. Support member 94 includes a seat 98 upon which a user may sit when exercising on exercise cycle 12 b. Support member 96 includes a handlebar assembly 100 and a console or control panel 102.

In the illustrative embodiment, a drive assembly 104 is mounted on upright support structure 92. Drive assembly 104 includes a rotatable pedal assembly 106. Pedal assembly 106 includes a pair of cranks 108 that are rotatably mounted on support member 94. Attached to each crank 108 is a pedal 110, which a user can engage with their feet to rotate pedal assembly 106. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, pedal assembly 106 can also be mounted on support member 96 or support base 90.

Drive assembly 104 also includes a resistance assembly 112 for providing resistance to the rotation of pedal assembly 106. Resistance assembly 112 includes a flywheel 114 and a braking mechanism 116 mounted on support member 96. Braking mechanism 116 is adapted to selectively adjust the rotational speed of flywheel 114. Resistance assembly 112 is connected to pedal assembly 106 by an endless belt or chain 118 such that the rotational speed of pedal assembly 106 and flywheel 114 are related to one another.

Braking mechanism 116 can comprise a frictional brake, a magnetic brake, or any other suitable brake for controlling the rotational speed of flywheel 114. Braking mechanism 116 is optionally connected to an exercise cycle controller 120 (not shown), which is similar to treadmill controller 50. Exercise cycle controller 120 controls the operation of braking mechanism 116, and thus the rotational speed of flywheel 114 in response to various user inputs or other control signals. Exercise cycle controller 120 can be incorporated within resistance assembly 112, control panel 102, or within personal computer 16.

Because resistance assembly 112 is connected to pedal assembly 106, the braking provided to flywheel 114 by braking mechanism 116 affects the resistance to the rotation of pedal assembly 106. In other words, when a positive braking force is applied to flywheel 114, it is harder for a user to rotate pedal assembly 106. Conversely, when little or no braking force is applied to flywheel 114, it is relatively easy for a user to rotate pedal assembly 106. Additionally, braking mechanism 116 may also be adapted to apply a negative resistance to flywheel 114, which may actually provide a force that facilitates rotation of the pedal assembly 106. Thus, if a negative resistance is present, a positive force may be applied that tends to rotate pedal assembly 106 even in the absence of input from the user. By adjusting the amount or type (e.g. positive or negative resistance) of braking applied to flywheel 114, exercise cycle 12 b can thus vary speed at which a user can pedal and/or the resistance experienced by the user as he or she pedals on exercise cycle 12 b. In this manner exercise cycle 12 b is able to simulate the types of resistances and pedaling speeds that a user may experience if riding a bicycle outdoors.

In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed and resistance of pedal assembly 106, exercise cycle 12 b also permits the tilting of upright support structure 92 relative to the floor, or other surface upon which exercise cycle 12 b rests, to be varied. For instance, as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0172059, the disclosure of which in incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, upright support structure 92 can be oriented in a neutral position, an forwardly tilted position, or a backwardly tilted position. In the neutral position, handle bar assembly 100 and seat 98 are at generally the same vertical height so that the user will feel that he or she is sitting on a bicycle that is on a level surface. In the forwardly tilted position the handle bar assembly 100 is vertically below seat 98 to give the user the feel of riding down a hill. In the backwardly tilted position the handle bar assembly 100 is vertically above seat 98 to give the user the feel of riding up a hill. Typical bicycle rides outside, for example, involve inclines and declines as well as flat surfaces, each of which can be accommodated and replicated by the tilting ability of upright support structure 92. Thus, exercise cycle 12 b is able to more closely simulate a typical outdoor bicycle ride.

Exercise cycle 12 b may also permit upright support structure 92 to be tilted from side-to-side in order to more closely replicate riding on outdoor terrain. More specifically, upright support structure can be tilted from side-to-side so that handle bar assembly 100 is angled relative to a support surface on which exercise cycle 12 b is resting. The side-to-side tilting ability of exercise cycle 12 b enables a user to simulate making right and left turns on a bicycle, for example.

The forward, backward, and side-to-side tilting capabilities of upright support structure 92 enable exercise cycle 12 b to more closely replicate an outdoor bicycling experience. The forward, backward, and side-to-side tilting of upright support structure 92 can be accomplished through the use of various tilting mechanisms, such as tilting mechanism 122. Tilting mechanism 122 may be connected between support base 90 and upright support structure 92. Tilting mechanism 122 may extend or retract to cause upright support structure 92 to tilt forward or backward to simulate riding up and down hills. As with braking mechanism 116, titling mechanism 122 can optionally be connected to exercise cycle controller 120 to control the operation of tilting mechanism 122 in response to various user inputs or other control signals.

Attention is now directed back to system 10. The following discussion will be directed toward how a user is able to interact with system 10 in ways other than just exercising on exercise mechanisms 12. For instance, in addition to being able walk, run, ride, and the like on exercise mechanisms 12, system 10 enables a user to, among other things, i) control various operating parameters of exercise mechanisms 12 with verbal commands, ii) perform multi-task functions with verbal commands, iii) select real world routes, trails, paths, or courses so that the exercise mechanisms 12 simulate the terrain of the selected real world route, trail, path, or course, and display images of the selected real world route, trail, path, or course, iv) receive educational information, and v) interact in a fitness educational experience. While the following discussion will be directed toward using treadmill 12 a with system 10, it will be appreciated from the disclosure herein that other types of exercise devices, such as exercise cycle 12 b, can be used with system 10.

As noted above, exercise mechanisms 12 include a control panel (e.g., control panels 22, 102). The following discussion will focus on control panel 22 of treadmill 12 a. Nevertheless, control panel 102 may be designed to perform similar or identical functions. Control panel 22, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, includes one or more interface devices. Such interface devices may be either input devices or output devices. Input devices enable a user to input and vary the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a.

As examples of such input devices, control panel 22 includes many typical controllers for use on an exercise device, such as a treadmill. A number of illustrative input devices include, but are not limited to, time controls 126, distance controls 128, speed controls 130, incline controls 132, a start button 134, a stop or pause button 136, and heart rate controls 138. In addition to these input devices, control panel 22 further optionally includes an iFit.com button 140, a manual override button 142, and a scaling control 144, each of which are also examples of input devices.

In addition to the above-described input devices, control panel 22 may include a variety of other input devices. For example, control panel 22 may include an integrally formed mouse 146. Additionally, control panel 22 may include a keyboard jack 148 for an external keyboard 150 (FIG. 2), a touch-sensitive video display 152, and various other ports, jacks, or the like to receive various other external components. It will be appreciated that the external components, such as keyboard 150, may be integrally formed within control panel 22. Additionally, one or more of the input devices may be incorporated into personal computer 16 (FIG. 1).

It is appreciated that each of the above-recited controllers or buttons may be embodied in a variety of different manners to perform their commonly utilized function. For instance, each controller, button, and the like may take the form of one or more switches, rheostats, potentiometers, touch sensitive controls, voice activated controllers, and the like. Thus, depending on the specific type of input device that control panel 22 includes, a user of treadmill 12 a may press a button, turn a knob, slide or flip a switch, or otherwise activate the input devices.

By way of example, a user may press one or more buttons to increase or decrease the speed of belt 42 or the inclination of treadbase 26. Alternatively, control panel 22 may include or be connected to, via a wired or wireless connection, a microphone 145 that is receptive to verbal commands or other inputs provided by the user. Microphone 145 is connected to treadmill controller 50 so that verbal commands or other verbal inputs received from the user are communicated to treadmill controller 50. Treadmill controller 50 may include voice recognition software that is capable of processing or manipulating the verbal command into one or more control signals or executable instructions for adjusting the operating parameters of treadmill 12 b, including the speed of belt 42, the inclination of treadbase 26, the speed of a fan (not shown) for cooling the user, and the like. Treadmill controller 50 and the voice recognition software may be collectively referred to as a voice response system.

For instance, as depicted in FIG. 5 at reference number 160, a user may provide the command “Incline to 8%” to adjust the inclination of treadbase 26. At 162, microphone 145 receives the verbal command and, at 164, microphone 145 communicates the verbal command to the voice response system. The voice response system converts the verbal command into a control signal or executable instruction (166) that is sent, at 168, to an inclination mechanism. The control signal or executable instruction activates the inclination mechanism to adjust the incline of treadbase 26 to an 8% grade, as indicated at 170.

In order to filter out other verbal communications from the user or other people, the voice response system may be programmed to ignore verbal communications unless the communications include certain command prompt words. For instance, the voice response system may be programmed not to adjust the operating parameters unless a verbal command begins with the word “Command.” Thus, in order for the user to adjust the operating parameters using verbal commands, the user may need to begin the verbal command with the word “Command.” By way of example, rather than just saying “Incline to 8%”, the user would say “Command: Incline to 8%.” Without the command prompt word, the voice response system would ignore the verbal communications and leave the operating parameters in their current state. Requiring a command prompt word before accepting a verbal command allows the user or others to speak or listen to music while exercising without inadvertently adjusting the operating parameters of exercise mechanisms 12.

Each input device is, thus, adapted to allow a user operating treadmill 12 a to more fully operate or adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. Furthermore, the input devices enable the user to access communication system 14, third parties 20, or other hardware and/or software modules that are accessible via network 18. For example, the input devices may allow a user to access the Internet to obtain exercise programming as discussed herein. To facilitate access to the Internet, control panel 22 may be equipped with an Internet browser or control panel 22 may communicate with personal computer 16 to use an Internet browser thereon.

With access to network 18 (e.g., the Internet), a user of treadmill 12 a may also be able to visit various websites and/or send and receive emails or other electronic communications. As with adjusting the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, the various input devices of treadmill 12 a may be used to control the browser on control panel 22 or personal computer 16. For instance, mouse 146, keyboard 150, and/or touch-sensitive display 156 may be used to direct the browser to different websites, access/write emails or other electronic messages, or read/write other documents.

Additionally, the voice response system may also allow a user to perform these same functions via verbal commands rather than requiring the user to use his or her hands. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 6, a user of treadmill 12 a may visit the iFit.com website by providing the command “Browser: ifit.com,” as indicated at 172. Microphone 145 may receive the verbal command at 174 and communicate the verbal command to the voice response system at 176. The voice response system may convert the verbal command into a control signal or executable instruction at 178. The control signal or executable instruction may direct the Internet browser to the iFit.com website, as indicated at 180. As discussed above, the command prompt “Browser” may be used as an indication to the voice response system that a command is being provided.

Similarly, a user of treadmill 12 a may dictate an email or other document while exercising. For instance, as indicated at 182 in FIG. 7A, the user may use verbal commands to open a new email (e.g., “Email: Create New Email”). As with the other verbal commands discussed herein, microphone 145 receives the verbal command at 184 and communicates the verbal command to the voice response system at 186. At 188, the voice response system converts the verbal command into a control signal or executable instruction, which directs an email application to create a new email, as indicated at 190. The newly created email may be displayed on display 152, as indicated at 192.

With a new email created, the user may provide a command to begin dictation of an email message, as indicated at 194 in FIG. 7B. As with the aforementioned verbal commands, the dictated message is received by microphone 145 at 196. Microphone 145 communicates the dictated message to the voice response system at 198. The voice response system transcribes the dictated message into the email as shown at 200. As indicated at 202, the transcribed email message may be displayed on display 152 so that the user may review the message before sending it. Once the email message has been transcribed, the user may provide a command to save the draft email (e.g., “Command: Save email draft”) or send the email to the designated recipients (e.g., “Command: Send email”), as indicated at 204.

As shown in FIG. 4, the iFit.com button 140, in one embodiment, may act as both a selector and an indicator of connectivity of treadmill 12 a to communication system 14, and optionally one or more third parties 20, whether such connectivity is via computer 16, wireless router 17, or directly from treadmill 12 a. The iFit.com button 140 optionally includes an indicator light (not shown) that demonstrates when a connection has been established between treadmill 12 a and communication system 14, such as when the iFit.com button 140 is depressed or a verbal command is given to create such a connection. Alternatively, a light emitting diode (LED) positioned in close proximity to the iFit.com button 140 may be activated when the iFit.com button 140 is activated.

As discussed above, the connection achieved by activating iFit.com button 140 or through verbal commands may be via a variety of communication line connections. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, control panel 22 includes a wireless port 154 that enables treadmill 12 a to wirelessly communicate with network 18 (FIG. 1), either directly or via computer 16 and/or wireless router 17. Alternatively, control panel 22 may have a hard wire connection to network 18, either directly or via computer 16.

In one embodiment, by activating iFit.com button 140 or by giving a related verbal command, a user of treadmill 12 a, or other exercise device, connects to communication system 14, such as a website. Such connection may be via an independently located computer, such as computer 16, through a modem (not shown), wireless router 17, or directly through a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) by way of the described communication line connections for example, or other connections known to one skilled in the art. More specifically, by activating the iFit.com button 140 or providing a verbal command (e.g., “Command: Connect to iFit.com”) a signal is transmitted via network 18 to communication system 14 to create a connection therebetween.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, once a connection is made between treadmill 12 a and communication system 14, either directly or via computer 16, a user may access various programs, features, and the like of communication system 14. For example, once a connection is made, a user can access, select, create, and/or download exercise programming for use with treadmill 12 a by selecting the Exercise Program Generation option. As discussed herein, the exercise programming and other features discussed herein may be stored on memory card 15, treadmill 12 a, and/or personal computer 16. Thus, while this discussion focuses on downloading or accessing the programs and features available from communication system 14, these programs and features may also be available without requiring access to communication system 14 or network 18. Rather, these programs and features may be available from a built-in memory device on treadmill 12 a, a removable memory device, such as memory card 15, or personal computer 16.

As discussed herein, the exercise programming can include one or more signals that adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a as well as provide display and/or audio programming. With an established connection to communication system 14 (or if the capabilities are provided on treadmill 12 a, memory card 15, or personal computer 16), the user can also select other options, such as personal training, health information, competition, diagnostics, and the like, as shown in FIG. 8.

In another embodiment, a user may access communication system 14 using personal computer 16. With a connection established between personal computer 16 and communication system 14, a user may access the programs, features, and options mentioned above. After the user selects the desired option, such as selecting an exercise program, communication system 14 can communicate the exercise program to treadmill 12 a directly or via personal computer 16 or a portable memory device, such as memory card 15.

In any case, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when a user indicates that he or she would like to select and download an exercise program, communication system 14 may prompt the user to select the type of exercise device upon which the exercise program will be used. FIG. 10 illustrates a functional block diagram of the process of selecting an exercise device to be used in connection with the exercise program. As seen in FIG. 10, the user may be given the option to select from among many different types of exercise devices, including treadmills, cycles, Nordic type skiers, climbers, hikers, steppers, ellipticals, and the like. After selecting the type of exercise device to be used, the user can then select the desired exercise program that is compatible with the selected exercise device.

The exercise programming can take any one of a number of forms. The exercise programming can include signals generated by communication system 14 and sent to treadmill 12 a. The signals may include exercise control signals, audio programming, and/or display programming. The exercise controls signals can be configured to control/adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as the exercise time, the incline and/or tilt of treadbase 26, and/or the speed of belt 42. The display and/or audio programming can provide various types of information, including instruction, education, and entertainment. Furthermore, as discussed below, the exercise programming can be interactive such that the user can be engaged with the exercise programming in ways other than just performing an exercise.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the user may select between preprogrammed exercise programming and user defined exercise programming. When a user selects the preprogrammed exercise programming option, the user can view and select from among one or more available preprogrammed exercise programs. The signals of the selected exercise programming can then be sent over network 18 to treadmill 12 a to control the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a and/or provide display/audio programming to the user. The exercise programming may include common exercise routines that vary the speed and incline of treadmill 12 a at various time intervals during the routine.

The exercise programming may also be adapted to simulate a real world environment, such as a trail, route, course, path, or the like. By way of non-limiting example, the exercise programming may be adapted to simulate the terrain surrounding the pyramids of Giza or Battle Road between Lexington and Concord, Mass. More specifically, the control signals can be adapted to adjust the incline and tilt of treadbase 26 to replicate the hills, level surfaces, and the like, encountered in these locations.

In addition to adjusting the physical operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, the exercise programming can include display and/or audio programming that are related to the control signals. The display programming can be presented on video display 152, while the audio programming can be presented by audio output 156 (FIG. 4), such as a speaker. In the example of the exercise programming simulating Battle Road between Lexington and Concord, Mass., the display programming can include still or moving images of the road, including buildings, bridges, and landscape that are seen along the road. The display programming may also include maps, painting, drawings, and the like relating to the simulated location. The display programming may be presented to the user in either 2D or 3D.

The display programming can be synchronized with the control signals that adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. Synchronizing the control signals and the display programming allows a user to view the real world environment at the same time the user encounters operating parameters that simulate the viewed real world environment. For example, as a user walks or runs on treadmill 12 a, the control signals may cause treadmill 12 a to simulate the terrain (i.e., hills, etc.) that a person would encounter as he or she walked or ran along Battle Road. As the user of treadmill 12 a experiences the terrain of Battle Road, the user can also view images, whether still or moving, of Battle Road and its surroundings, which the control signals are simulating.

Similar to the display programming, the audio programming can include typical sounds heard by a person traveling along Battle Road, including cars, sirens, horns, nature sounds, and the like. The audio programming may also provide information about the location being simulated or the images presented in the display programming. For example, the audio programming may include information typically provided on a tour of Battle Road. More specifically, the audio programming may include historical information about the Battles of Lexington and Concord that occurred during the Revolutionary War.

The audio programming can be synchronized with the control signals and the display programming so that the sounds and/or information provided by the audio programming is related to what the user is seeing on display 152 and experiencing on treadmill 12 a. For instance, as the user views images and experiences the terrain of Battle Road, the user may also hear sounds typically heard along the simulated and displayed portions of Battle Road. Additionally, or alternatively, the user may be provided with information in narrative form about Battle Road, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Revolutionary War, and the like. While the exercise programming has been described above in connection with Battle Road, it will be appreciated that the exercise programming may simulate and display, visually or audibly, other real world environments.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the user may also select the User Defined Exercise Programs option. Communication system 14 may be configured to allow a user at treadmill 12 a or personal computer 16 to create or select various aspects of exercise programming that suitable to the desires of the user. When creating a user defined or unique exercise program, the user may have the option to select, among other things, a desired route, display programming, and/or audio programming. The user may also have the option to select other exercise programming parameters, such as the exercise time, changes in the speed of belt 42, changes in the incline and/or tilt of treadbase 26, total calories to be burned, total distance to be traveled, total elevation change, themes for the programming, and the like.

By way of example, a user accessing communication system 14 may be able to select a real world environment which he or she would like treadmill 12 a to simulate. In selecting the real world environment, the user may select a starting point, and ending point, and a specific route between the two. Alternatively, the user may select a starting point and an ending point, and allow communication system 14 and/or one or more of third parties 20 to select the route therebetween. In still other embodiments, the user may select a starting point and allow communication system 14 and/or one or more of third parties 20 to select a route that proceeds from the starting point for a selected time, distance, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the user may select a predefined route based on one or more characteristics of the route. Such characteristics may include distance, elevation change, historical significance, geographic characteristics, wild life, or plant life. The real world environment may be a famous or well-known environment, tour route, hike, or the like. Alternatively, a user may create an exercise program that simulates any other real world environment.

In order to generate exercise programming as described above, communication system 14 may require access to one or more types of data. Some types of data that may be needed to generate the above described exercise programming include maps, topographical data, video or image data, audio data, historical data, geographic data, and the like. The map data allows for the creation of a route through a real world environment which will be simulated on treadmill 12 a. The topographical data can be used to generate control signals that adjust one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to simulate the actual topography along the real world route. The video/image data, the audio data, and other types of data can be used to provide the user with a visual representation of and/or audio information relating to the real world route that is simulated on treadmill 12 a.

The data used to generate the exercise programming may be stored at treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, communication system 14, and/or at one or more other locations, such as one or more third parties 20. Third parties 20 may be websites and/or databases that are accessible via network 18. Disclosed herein are a few examples of third parties 20 that can be accessed to retrieve information and data that can be used to generate the above described exercise programming. It is understood that the exemplary third parties 20 noted herein are not an exclusive or exhaustive list of available third parties 20. Rather, the identified third parties 20 are provided simply by way of example.

There are multiple route planning and mapping software applications and programs which can be used by communication system 14 and/or a user at treadmill 12 a to develop a route for exercise programming as described herein. Examples of such are MAPQUEST.COM, MAPS.GOOGLE.COM, and GOOGLE EARTH (available at earth.google.com). With these applications, a user is able to select a starting point and an ending point. The applications provide multiple different routes between the two points. Alternatively, the applications allow for the creation of customized routes between the beginning and end points by selecting intermediate points between the beginning and ending points.

Similarly, there are multiple databases that store topographical data for specific regions of the world. In addition, the U.S. Geological Survey maintains a database, the GTOPO 30 or Global Topography at 30 arc/second database (available at edc.usgs.gov), which includes topographical data for the entire world. Treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can access one or more of these databases to retrieve information and data regarding the real world route that is to be simulated on treadmill 12. With this data, the control signals can be generated to control one or more of the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as the incline and/or tilt of treadbase 26, to simulate the terrain of the real world route.

Databases that store still or moving images of real world locations can also be accessed by treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 in order to provide to the user of treadmill 12 a a visual representation of the real world route that is simulated on treadmill 12 a. Examples of such databases include the GOOGLE EARTH, GOOGLE STREET VIEW (available at MAPS.GOOGLE.COM), and MICROSOFT VIRTUAL EARTH (available at www.microsoft.com/virtualearth) databases. Other databases may store display programming or image data that is created specifically for incorporation into the exercise programming. Each of these databases may provide a bird's eye view or a street level view of a selected route or location.

Databases that store text or audio data relating to real world locations, events, subjects, and the like can also be accessed by treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 in order to provide to the user of treadmill 12 a with additional information relating to the real world route that is simulated on treadmill 12 a. For instance, databases that store audio recordings relating to specific locations, events, or topics may be accessed to obtain audio programming that can be incorporated into the exercise programming. Alternatively, text-based databases, such as the WIKIPEDIA database, may be accessed to obtain information about specific locations, events, or topics. The text from these databases may be incorporated into the exercise programming as part of the display programming that is displayed on display 152, or the text may be converted to audio data that is incorporated into the exercise programming as part of the audio programming that is presented to the user through a speaker. Other databases may store text or audio data that is created specifically for incorporation into the exercise programming.

With access to at least some of the data described above, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 is able to generate exercise programming that allows treadmill 12 a to simulate real world environments. In one embodiment, a user of treadmill 12 a accesses an exercise program generation module via control panel 22. The exercise program generation module, which is resident on treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, or communication system 14, provides a user interface that allows the user to select a preprogrammed exercise route or create a user defined exercise route as shown in FIG. 9. In the case of creating a user defined exercise route, the exercise program generation module allows the user to enter a starting point, an ending point, and/or one or more intermediate points that will define the exercise route.

With the route defined (either predefined or user defined), treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 communicates with one or more third parties 20 that provide map and topographical data relating to the selected route. The map and topographical data provided by the third parties 20 may include a map highlighting the selected route, total route distance, route directions, travel times for specific speeds, as well as forward, backward, and side-to-side elevation changes along the selected route.

Treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can also communicate with one or more other third parties 20 to retrieve other data relating to the selected route. For example, the GOOGLE STREET VIEW database can be accessed to retrieve images of the selected route. Furthermore, other types of databases, such as audio databases, that provide audible information relating to the selected route, can be accessed to retrieve audio data relating to the selected route.

Once the data has been retrieved for the selected route, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 compiles the gathered data and generates the exercise program. Treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 uses the map and topographical data to generate a series of control signals that control one or more operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. In other words, using a correlation algorithm, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can synchronize the topographical data with the map data to correlate the distance and the grade or elevation change between two points on the selected route and generate a control signal that will cause treadmill 12 a to simulate that terrain. For instance, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can use the map data to determine that the distance between point A and point B is ½ mile, and can use the topographical data to determine that the area between points A and B has a grade of 12%. Using this information, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 generates one or more control signals that will cause treadmill 12 a to incline treadbase 26 to a 12% grade until the user has walked for ½ mile. In a similar manner, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can use the map data, the topographical data, and other reference points along the selected route to generate control signals that control the tilt of treadbase 26.

In addition to generating the control signals, treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 can also generate display programming to accompany the control signals. As mentioned above, the display programming can include still or moving images of the selected real world route, which treadmill 12 a, personal computer 16, and/or communication system 14 retrieves from one or more third parties 20. For example, the Google Street View database may be accessed via the Google Maps API (application programming interface) to retrieve a series of images from of the selected real world route. When a series of images are used to provide a visual depiction of the selected rout, the images can be cached or buffered so that upon delivery to the user of treadmill 12 a, the images provide an almost seamless, video-like depiction of the selected real world route.

As mentioned above, the display programming can be synchronized with the control signals. In this manner, the control signals will adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a at the same time the display programming depicts a change in the terrain of the real world route. For instance, at the same time the control signals begin to cause treadbase 26 to incline to simulate a hill on the real world route, the display programming shows one or more images of the hill on the real world route as if the user were actually beginning to ascend the hill.

Once the control signals have been generated from the topographical/map data and the display programming from the retrieved images of the real world route, a correlation algorithm can be employed to synchronize the control signals with the display programming. In one embodiment, the correlation algorithm uses data about the series of retrieved images, such as the number of images along the real world route, the real world distances between the images, and the like. Similarly, the correlation algorithm also uses information from the retrieved topographical/map data, such as distances between locations on the real world route, changes in elevation between locations on the real world route, directional changes along the real world route, and the like. Using this data, the correlation algorithm synchronizes the control signals and the display programming. For example, the correlation algorithm may coordinate the first control signal with the display of the first image of the remote real world route. The correlation algorithm may correlate a subsequent image with a change in the map data, such as when the map data indicates a change in a certain distance from the previous real world location. The correlation algorithm may also correlate subsequent images with a change in the topographical data, such as an elevation change from the previous real world location.

As noted above, the exercise programming can also include audio programming that is synchronized with the control signals and the display programming. The audio programming can include sounds that may typically be heard along the real world route, such as cars, sirens, animals, people, and the like. The audio programming can also include in verbal form (e.g., narration, singing, etc.) information about sites along the real world route. For example, if a user chose to have treadmill 12 a simulate a route through Washington D.C. which passed by sites such as the White House, the U.S. Capital building, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument, the audio programming could provide information about each of these sites, such as might be heard during a tour of Washington D.C. A correlation algorithm, such as the one described above, may be used to coordinate the presentation of the audio programming with the display programming and the control signals.

Once the exercise programming has been created and/or delivered to treadmill 12 a via any suitable means, such as those described herein, treadmill 12 a can run/execute the exercise programming by processing the control signals, the display programming, and/or the audio programming. As treadmill 12 a runs the exercise programming, treadmill 12 a simulates the remote, real world exercise route. In particular, the control signals of the exercise programming cause treadmill 12 a to adjust one or more operating parameters, such as the incline or tilt of treadbase 26, to replicate the terrain of the remote, real world exercise route. In addition, treadmill 12 a displays, via display 152 and speaker 156, the display programming and the audio programming relating to the remote, real world exercise route.

As noted above, treadmill 12 a can monitor the actual operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as the incline and tilt of treadbase 26 and the speed of belt 42. The actual operating parameters of treadmill 12 a and the exercise programming can be correlated so that the control signals, display programming, and audio programming are updated or changed at the appropriate times. For instance, the exercise programming may include control signals that incline treadbase 26 to a 5% grade for ¼ mile and then decline treadbase to a 2% grade for 1 mile. The speed of belt 42 will affect the amount of time that each of the controls signals is active or the time between control signals. If belt 42 were moving at five miles per hour (mph), for example, the user would traverse the ¼ mile segment in three minutes and the one mile segment in twelve minutes. If belt 42 were moving at two and one-half mph, however, it would take the user six minutes to traverse the ¼ mile segment and twenty-four minutes to traverse the one mile segment. Thus, correlating or synchronizing the actual operating parameters of treadmill 12 a with the exercise programming allows treadmill 12 a to be controlled in such a way as to realistically simulate the real world environment. The correlation or synchronization of the exercise programming and the actual operating parameters can be performed by treadmill controller 50, control panel 22, personal computer 16, communication system 14, or a combination thereof.

Regardless of whether the exercise programming is preprogrammed or at least partially defined by the user, system 10 enables the fitness educational of the user. As used herein, the term “fitness educational” broadly refers to the combination of physical fitness and intellectual education. More specifically, fitness educational may refer to intellectual learning that is enabled, enhanced, or made more enjoyable through physical activity. While people have many different learning styles, it is generally accepted that most individuals learn best, or at least better, when the learning experience stimulates multiple senses. System 10 uses this understanding to provide learning experiences that stimulate multiple senses of a user.

With reference to the Battle Road example mentioned above, a user that experiences Battle Road on treadmill 12 a is more likely to remember that experience, including what he or she learned, than if the user simply read or heard about the events associated with Battle Road. More specifically, Battle Road is simulated on treadmill 12 a by adjusting the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a (e.g., incline/decline and tilt of treadbase 26) and presenting images and audible data relating to Battle Road. Thus, as a user experiences the simulation of Battle Road, the user experiences the sensation of walking over the terrain, seeing images of the terrain and landmarks, and hearing information about Battle Road and related events.

In addition to providing fitness educational relating to historical sites and events, such as Battle Road and the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the exercise programming of system 10 can also provide fitness educational relating to other topics, such as geography, animal science, music, and math, for example. For instance, the exercise programming may simulate an African safari experience by adjusting the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to mimic the terrain of African while presenting display and audio programming relating to thereto. For instance, the display programming may display images of the terrain being traversed along with images of the wild life that is found in the simulated area. The audio programming may provide information about the displayed wild life, its habitat, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 11, a fitness educational experience provided by system 10 will be discussed. Once the exercise programming is selected or created as discussed above, the exercise programming is initiated on treadmill 12 a, as indicated at 210. Continuing with the Battle Road example, when the exercise programming is initiated, the control signals begin to control the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to simulate the topography of Battle Road, as indicated at 212. At the same time, the display programming and audio programming is presented to the user via display 152 and speakers 156, as indicated at 214, 216, respectively. The display programming may include images (e.g., photos, videos, drawings, paintings, etc.) of Battle Road. The audio programming may include audible information about Battle Road, its history, geographic location and characteristics, and the like.

As shown at 218 in FIG. 11, educational information is presented during the educational experience. At least part of the simulated terrain, the audio programming, or the display programming includes or is considered to be educational information. Educational information can include information presented in physical form, verbal/audible form, or visual form. For instance, the control signals may adjust the incline, tilt, or speed of treadbase 26 to provide physical information to the user about characteristics of the terrain being simulated, heights of geographic features, the speed of objects, people, or animals, and the like. The educational information provided in visual form may include still or moving images, drawings, paintings, and the like depicting the simulated terrain, displayed location or objects, or other information.

The educational information, and particularly the information provided in visual or audio form, may be stored or generated by communication system 14, one or more third parties 20, or the user of system 10. For instance, the operator of communication system 14 may generate audio programming relating to various historic sites that may be incorporated into the exercise programming.

In addition, or as an alternative to using educational information available from system 14, one or more third parties 20, or computer 16, the user of system 10 may create his own educational information for inclusion in the audio or visual programming. For instance, as depicted in FIG. 11A, the user may take notes during a class or while studying. The notes may be handwritten (220) or typed on a computer (222). The user may also make an audio recording of himself or others that includes educational information. These recordings may also be considers notes. The user may then communicate the notes to system 10, as shown in FIG. 11A. For instance, handwritten notes may be scanned and electronically communicated to system 10 by uploading or emailing the scanned notes to communication system 14, personal computer 16, or treadmill 12 a. Likewise, electronic notes (e.g., notes taken on a computer, or sound recordings) may be uploaded or emailed to communication system 14, personal computer 16, or treadmill 12 a.

Once the notes have been submitted, as indicated at 224, system 10 may incorporate the notes into the display or audio programming so that they are presented, either in visual or audio form, to the user during a fitness educational experience. For instance, the display programming may display the notes on display 152 or the audio programming may play the recordings on speakers 156. Furthermore, system 10 may also convert the user's written or typed notes into a sound recording that is presented on speakers 156 so that system 10 “reads” the user's notes to the user. Conversely, system 10 may convert the user's sound recordings into text that may be displayed on display 152 so that the user can read the notes.

The display and audio programming may present the notes to the user in their complete form. For instance, the display programming may display complete pages of the written or typed notes. Likewise, the audio programming may play the entire audio recording. Alternatively, system 10 may present only portions of the notes to the user. For instance, the display programming may display individual lines or sections from the notes. By way of example, the display programming may display a section heading and a bullet point listed under the section heading. Alternatively, the display programming may simply display one or two lines from anywhere in the notes. Accordingly, the display programming may display information to the user in such a way as to convey to the user the context of the information, or the display programming may display the information without providing the user with any context for the information.

The display and audio programming may also manipulate the notes so that the user will be able to more readily see or hear the notes. For instance, the display programming may increase the size of the notes when they are displayed on display 152 so that the user may be able to easily read the notes. Similarly, the audio programming may adjust the volume of the recordings so that the user may easily hear the recordings when they are presented on speakers 156.

In addition to providing educational information, the exercise programming may present questions to the user, as indicated in FIG. 11 at 226. The questions may be presented in verbal form or the questions may be displayed on display 152. Typically, but not necessarily, the questions relate to the simulated terrain, the displayed information, or the verbally presented information. The presentation of questions to the user encourages the user to pay closer attention to the exercise programming, including the educational information provided.

When a question is presented to a user, the user may respond to answer the question, as indicated at 228. For instance, the user may input his or her answer using one or more of the input devices on control panel 22. The user may also respond verbally to answer the questions. For instance, after presenting information about Battle Road, the exercise programming may present to the user the question, “Who travelled along Battle Road into Lexington on the morning of Apr. 19, 1775?” The user may then be given several possible answer choices, such as: A) Massachusetts militiamen; B) Paul Revere; C) British Regulars; or D) George Washington. The user may input his or her answer by pressing a button on control panel 22 or the user may speak his or her answer. If the user speaks the answer, the verbal response can be detected and recorded in a manner similar to the verbal commands described above.

Once the user has answered a question, the exercise programming can indicate to the user, via an audible or visual response (e.g., a verbal or visually displayed “That is correct”), whether the answer was correct. In addition to providing an indication regarding the correctness of the answer, exercise system 10 can also alter the exercise programming or fitness educational experience based on the user's responses, as indicated at 230. For instance, if the user answers several questions correctly or incorrectly, system 10 may adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to increase or decrease the difficulty level of the exercise, the level of information provided, or the difficulty of the questions presented.

Similarly, the fitness educational experience may require the user to select different options during the experience. For instance, as the user travels along a simulated route, the user may be required to decide whether to turn left or right at a displayed intersection. The user may select the desired option by activating one of the input devices on control panel 22 or speaking the desired option. The voice response system can convert the audible response into a control signal or executable instruction that causes the exercise programming to follow the selected option. By allowing the user to select various options, the user is able to explore areas, subjects, and the like that are of particular interest to the user.

As a result of the dynamic nature of the exercise programming, a user may have an enhanced learning experience using system 10. That is, because system 10 responds to the user's answers and selections during the fitness educational experience, the user is able to learn a variety of information through several sensory stimuli, which will assist the user in retaining the learned information.

As indicated at 232, during or upon completion of one or more fitness educational experiences, the user may be awarded. For instance, upon completion of a particular educational experience or a portion thereof, the user may be awarded a 3D tour of, for example, one of the places relating to the fitness educational experience. The user may also be awarded credit and a grade for completion of the fitness educational experience if the fitness educational experience is an assignment for a class. The user may also receive a digital award for completion of all or part of a fitness educational experience. For instance, the user may have a digital “passport” that is “stamped” each time the user completes an educational experience. Furthermore, the user may be awarded other prizes for completion of educational experiences. For instance, once a user completes an educational experience based on locations on all seven continents, the user may win a trophy, trip, or other prize.

As depicted in FIG. 12, the exercise programming can also be theme based. The various themes may be based on educational subjects (e.g., history, geography, etc.) as mentioned above. Other themes may include comedy, tragedy, somber, serious, religious, patriotic, fast or slow paced, etc. One or more of the control signals, the display programming, or the audio programming may be selected or altered based on the theme of the exercise programming.

For instance, two educational fitness experiences that simulate the same tour through Washington D.C. may have different themes. One of the Washington D.C. educational fitness experiences may have a patriotic theme that is designed to foster a sense of patriotism and love of country in the user. Such an educational fitness experience may include patriotic music and may be narrated by a well-know statesmen or politician. The other Washington D.C. educational fitness experience may have a comedic theme. This educational fitness experience may be narrated by a comedian who presents the educational information in a light-hearted or funny manner. The comedian may also point out or identify humorous things that are displayed in the display programming.

The exercise programming may also be arranged around a specific type of workout or specific workout goals the user may have rather than, or in combination with, being based around a specific location, topic, or theme. For instance, exercise programming routines may be defined by intensity level, calories burned, distance travelled, elevation change, heart rate, exercise time, and the like. The user may select one or more of these parameters and system 10 may provide exercise programming that meets the selected criteria.

By way of example, the user may select an exercise time of thirty minutes and system 10 will provide a thirty minute exercise programming routine. The exercise programming may include different segments during which the control signals, display programming, and/or audio programming simulate and/or present information relating to different real world locations, topics, and the like. The different segments may be based on time, intensity, speed, incline, or other criteria. This type of exercise programming may be preprogrammed or preset, or system 10 may randomly select control signals, display programming, or audio programming that will allow the user to achieve a desired goal.

As depicted in FIG. 13, for instance, the exercise programming may include a warm-up segment, a conditioning segment, and a cool-down segment. As is understood, each of these segments may include one or more sub-segments. For instance, FIG. 13A illustrates display 152 showing exemplary profiles for various segments and sub-segments of exercising programming. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the exercise programming may have a specified time duration, incline profile, and speed profile. As is understood by one skilled in the art, the incline and speed profiles may be depicted in a form similar to a bar chart, with the width of each bar indicated a segment/sub-segment time duration and the height of each bar indicating a degree of incline or speed.

With continued attention to both FIGS. 13 and 13A, exemplary segments of the exercise programming will be discussed. During the warm-up segment, for instance, the control signals adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to low intensity levels. For instance, the speed of belt 42 may be relatively slow and the incline of treadbase 26 may be relatively level, as indicated by the height of the bars depicted in the warm-up segments in FIG. 13A. In connection with the low intensity operating parameters, the display programming may display in display portion 152 a terrain that corresponds with the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a. For instance, since treadbase 26 is relatively level, the display programming may display level terrain, such as a beach or level road or trail. The audio programming may provide an introduction to the workout routine as well as information about the location being simulated and displayed or other educational information.

Toward the end of the warm-up segment, the display and/or audio programming may provide the user with an indication that the conditioning segment is about to begin. During the conditioning segment, the control signals adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a to medium or high intensity levels, as indicated by the height of the bars depicted in the conditioning segments in FIG. 13A. For instance, the speed of belt 42 may be increased and treadbase 26 may be inclined or declined. The display programming in display portion 152 a may change as the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a change. For instance, the display programming may display terrain that corresponds with the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a, such as roads, hills, or trails that have similar grades to the incline of treadbase 26.

The terrain displayed during the conditioning segment may or may not relate to the display programming of the warm-up segment. For instance, the display programming may display a beach during the warm-up segment and a trail through Yellowstone National Park during the conditioning segment. Similarly, the conditioning segment may include display programming that displays multiple locations that are remote from one another so that the display programming corresponds to the simulated terrain. Like during the warm-up segment, the audio programming may provide information about the location being simulated and displayed or other educational information. Additionally, the audio programming may also indicate to the user that the simulated and displayed real world location has or is about to change. For instance, when the simulated and displayed real world location changes from a beach to Yellowstone National Park, the audio programming may play a message telling the user what the new location is, where it is located, or other information about it.

The display and/or audio programming during or near the end of the conditioning segment may provide the user with an indication that terrain being simulated and displayed is going to change. For instance, the audio programming may indicate to the user that the intensity level is about to be decreased or that the cool-down segment is about to begin.

During the cool-down segment, the control signals adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a back to low intensity levels, as indicated by the height of the bars depicted in the conditioning segments in FIG. 13A. For instance, the speed of belt 42 and the incline of treadbase 26 may be decreased. As with the warm-up segment, the display programming during the cool-down segment may display relatively level terrain. The audio programming may provide a summary of the workout or the educational information presented during the workout as well as information about the location being simulated and displayed or other educational information.

As discussed herein, the exercise programming may include multiple segments that simulate the terrain and present display and audio programming relating to multiple distinct or remote locations regardless of whether the locations are related to one another in any way. For instance, the exercise profile illustrated in FIG. 13A may relate to several real world locations. More specifically, the exercise programming of FIG. 13A may simulate and display images of or relating to multiple remote locations throughout the world. For instance, the warm-up segments may simulate a walk along a specific beach while display portion 152 a displays images of the particular simulated beach. When the conditioning segment begins, the exercise programming may simulate other real world locations, including mountain hikes, historic tours, and the like. As noted, the transition between simulations of different real world locations may be accompanied by audio programming relating to the change.

Additionally, system 10 may provide exercise programming segments on demand. For instance, a user may adjust the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a as discussed herein. In response to these adjustments and as shown in FIG. 13B, system 10 may provide display programming and audio programming that correspond to the selected operating parameters. By way of example, a user may adjust the incline of treadbase 26 to desired grade. In response, communication system 14 may access display programming relating to a real world location that has similar terrain or topography to the incline of treadbase 26. As discussed herein, communication system 14 may have display programming stored locally or may obtain the display programming from one or more third parties 20. Personal computer 16 or treadmill 12 a may also provide the display programming. System 10 may also provide audio programming that relates to the displayed terrain or other education information.

As noted, the audio programming discussed herein may include music. The music may relate to the other aspects of the exercise programming. For instance, the lyrics of a song may relate to the location or historical events being simulated or displayed by treadmill 12 a. The music may also be selected based upon certain musical characteristics, such as tempo, rhythm, beats per minute, and the like.

By way of example, system 10 may select specific music to correspond to specific segments of a workout based on the characteristics of the music and the workout. For instance, system 10 may select music having a relatively slow tempo when the operating parameters of treadmill 12 a are of relatively low intensity or when the simulated terrain is relatively level. When the operating parameters change to a higher intensity or the simulated terrain is more varied, system 10 may select music having a more upbeat tempo. Conversely, system 10 may simulate terrain or adjust other operating parameters of treadmill 12 a based on characteristics of music selected by the user. For instance, if a user selects music with an upbeat tempo, system 10 may simulate terrain that is steep or increase the speed belt 42.

System 10 may also select music having specific characteristics in order to teach the user about music. For instance, the audio programming may present a song having a certain number of beats per minute. The audio programming may also include the voice of an instructor that describes the characteristics of the music.

The music used in the exercise programming may be stored by communication system 14, third parties, 20, personal computer 16, or treadmill 12 a. Examples of third parties 20 that may store music for incorporation in the exercise programming include, but are not limited to, the ITUNES and PANDORA databases. Additionally, treadmill 12 a or personal computer 16 may be selectively connected, via a wired or wireless connection, to a user's portable music device, such as an MP3 player. As a result, system 10 may select music from any number of sources, including the user's own music library, for inclusion in the exercise programming.

The exercise programming may also adjust the presentation of various parts or aspects of the display or audio programming during an exercise routine. For instance, the exercise programming may increase or decrease the volume of certain portions of the audio programming during certain portions of an exercise routine. By way of example, during a fitness educational experience, the audio programming may include both music (whether selected by system 10 or the user) and narration. The exercise programming may decrease the volume of the music when the narrative is provided and then increase the volume of the music when the narrative is over. Thus, for example, a user may select a certain selection of songs to play at a certain volume during a fitness educational experience. However, when a narrative portion of the audio programming is presented (such as to explain what is being seen in the display programming), the exercise programming may decrease the volume of the music so that the user can hear the narrative portion of the audio programming. Once the narrative portion is complete, the exercise programming may increase the volume of the music.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to exercise systems that enable a user to have an interactive exercise experience. The system may include an exercise device with one or more selectively adjustable operating parameters. The adjustable operating parameters allow the exercise device to simulate real-world terrain in an automatic and/or dynamic manner. For instance, a treadmill may have one or more adjustable incline mechanisms for allowing the treadmill to simulate a descent down a hill, an ascent up a hill, or traversing across a hill. In addition to simulating real-world terrain, the exercise device may also present display and audio programming to the user. The display programming may include visual representations of the real-world terrain that is simulated. The audio programming may include music or other audible sounds, including narrations. The combination of the simulated terrain and the display programming creates a more realistic virtual experience for the user of the exercise device.

While exercise systems have attempted to create virtual experiences for users, user interaction with such exercise systems has generally been limited. For instance, such systems typically allow the user to perform an exercise, view images on a screen, and listen to music (typically provided by a music player that is separate from the exercise device).

Embodiments of the present disclosure allow a more interactive experience in a number of ways. For instance, in addition to simulating a real-world environment, the exercise system allows the user to perform multiple tasks at once. In addition to exercising, the exercise system may allow the user to perform such tasks as browsing the Internet, reading or sending emails, dictating messages or documents, and the like. These additional multi-task functions may be performed entirely, or at least partially, with verbal commands. For instance, the exercise device may be equipped with a microphone and voice recognition software for receiving and processing verbal commands. Thus, the user of the present system may be able to remain intellectually stimulated or complete other tasks while exercising.

In addition to being able to perform multiple tasks with verbal commands, the operating parameters of the exercise device may be adjusted using verbal commands. Using verbal commands to adjust the operating parameters of an exercise device eliminates the need for the user to try and press buttons, turn knobs, or flip switches while exercising. This can be particularly beneficial when the user is exercising at a high rate, such as running Verbal commands may be used to adjust such operating parameters of an exercise device as speed, incline, tilt, resistance, and the like.

To provide an even more interactive experience, some embodiments provide fitness educational experiences. Fitness educational experiences allow a user to experience a real world location through the simulation of the terrain and display of images of the real world location. In addition, the fitness educational experiences provide educational information to the user while the user is experiencing the real world location. The educational information can include such things as narrations regarding the real world location, historical events, plant and animal life, and the like.

The fitness educational experiences also allow a user to be questioned regarding the educational information that is provided. The user may provide responses to the questions through physical input devices or through verbal responses. Furthermore, a user may interact with the fitness educational experience by selecting various available options. For instance, the user may select which direction to go when the display programming displays a fork in the road. Thus, through the fitness educational experiences, the user is able to interact with the exercise system by doing more than just exercising or watching a monitor. As a result of this high level of interaction, the user is able to learn at a higher level than if the learning was done independently.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of either a motorized treadmill or a stationary exercise cycle, it is understood that the invention is not limited to any particular type of exercise device. Accordingly, the term “exercise device” shall refer broadly to any type of device that takes the form of an exercise machine, including, but not limited to, treadmills, exercise cycles, Nordic style ski exercise devices, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, and elliptical or striding exercise devices. 

1. An interactive exercise device, comprising: a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise, the movable element having at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter; and a voice response system operatively associated with the movable element, the voice response system being receptive to verbal commands from a user of the exercise device, wherein the voice response system adjusts the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter in response to verbal commands from the user.
 2. The interactive exercise device of claim 1, wherein the voice response system comprises a controller.
 3. The interactive exercise device of claim 1, wherein the voice response system comprises voice recognition software.
 4. The interactive exercise device of claim 1, wherein the voice response system is disposed within a control panel of the exercise device.
 5. The interactive exercise device of claim 4, wherein the control panel comprises a browser and a display.
 6. The interactive exercise device of claim 5, wherein the voice response system controls the operation of the browser in response to verbal commands from the user.
 7. The interactive exercise device of claim 1, wherein the voice response system enables a user to dictate electronic messages.
 8. The interactive exercise device of claim 1, wherein the voice response system enables a user to send or receive electronic messages.
 9. A fitness educational exercise system, comprising: an exercise device having a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise, the movable element having at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter; and exercise programming that provides a fitness educational experience to a user, the exercise programming comprising: control signals that selectively adjust the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element to simulate terrain of a real world location; display programming that presents to the user visual images of the simulated real world location; and audio programming that presents to the user educational information relating to the simulated real world location.
 10. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 9, wherein the exercise programming presents questions to the user during the fitness educational experience.
 11. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 10, wherein the fitness educational exercise system is receptive to verbal responses from the user in answer to the presented questions.
 12. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 10, wherein the exercise device comprises a voice response system that is receptive to verbal responses from the user in answer to the presented questions.
 13. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 9, wherein the exercise programming is theme based.
 14. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 13, wherein the theme of the exercise programming is selected from educational, patriotic, somber, comedic, tragic, religious, and serious.
 14. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 14, wherein educational themed exercise programming includes education information relating to at least one of history, geography, botany, animals, science, music, math, and combinations thereof.
 15. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 9, wherein the exercise programming is at least partially defined by the user.
 16. The fitness educational exercise system of claim 9, wherein exercise programming comprises a plurality of segments that are selected by the exercise system based upon fitness goals provided by the user.
 17. An interactive exercise system, comprising: an exercise device having a movable element that is movable in the performance of an exercise, the movable element having at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter; and interactive exercise programming that provides a plurality of interactive exercise experiences to a user, the exercise programming comprising: control signals that selectively adjust the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element to simulate terrain of a real world location; display programming that presents to the user visual images of the simulated real world location; and audio programming that presents to the user i) educational information, and ii) questions relating to the education information; a voice response system operatively associated with the interactive exercise programming, wherein the voice response system receives and processes the user's verbal answers to the presented questions, wherein the exercise system provides awards to the user based on the user's performance in the interactive exercise experience.
 18. The interactive exercise system of claim 17, wherein the interactive exercise experiences are altered based on the verbal inputs from the user.
 19. The interactive exercise system of claim 18, wherein the interactive exercise experiences are altered by adjusting the at least one selectively adjustable operating parameter of the movable element.
 20. The interactive exercise system of claim 17, wherein the awards include digital incentives. 